He said that in the meeting, discussions were held on expanding cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, including trade and investment, energy, aviation and the defense industry.
In particular, both sides expressed interest in building a defense industry in Bangladesh and exploring the potential for joint investment.
He said these things at a press conference held at the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury Hotel in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday (November 10) night.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that Prime Minister Tareque Rahman arrived in Turkey today to attend the world leaders' summit of the UN Climate Conference COP-31. On the first day of the visit, he held a bilateral meeting with the Turkish President.
He said that during the stopover in Istanbul, under the special hospitality of the Turkish President, the Prime Minister was welcomed at the VVIP State Guest House. Later, upon arrival in Antalya, the country's Minister of Culture welcomed him and presented a guard of honor.
Humayun Kabir said that the Prime Minister's meeting with the Turkish President was held in a very cordial and fraternal atmosphere. In the meeting, President Erdogan addressed Prime Minister Tareque Rahman as ‘my valuable friend and brother’. He expressed interest in taking relations with Bangladesh to a higher level.
In the meeting, alongside increasing bilateral trade and investment, importance was given to partnership in the energy sector, investment in aviation, and cooperation in the defense industry.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that the Bangladesh government has taken an initiative to build a defense industrial park in the country. Discussions were held on the potential for Turkish investment and joint ventures in this sector. However, no agreement or memorandum of understanding has yet been signed on this matter; the matter is at the stage of preliminary exploration and discussion.
He further said that in the energy sector, especially deep-sea mineral and energy exploration, renewable energy, and utilizing Turkey's experience and best practices in this sector were discussed. Bangladesh is interested in building a strong investment partnership with Turkey in these sectors.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Humayun Kabir said that in the meeting the two leaders discussed the safe, peaceful and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas. In particular, views were exchanged on how joint initiatives can be further advanced after the hearing on the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this November.
He further said that Bangladesh and Turkey discussed working together to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their own country. At the same time, the meeting also raised the issue of strengthening mutual cooperation on various important issues of the Muslim world.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that in addressing climate change and in climate finance, Bangladesh also wants to play a leading role among the countries of the Global South. Bangladesh is not only a country affected by climate change, but is also playing an active role in creating international awareness on the issue and in demanding that climate finance be made easily accessible.
He said that representatives of Bangladesh will participate in the various thematic dialogues and sessions of the COP-31 conference and will highlight Bangladesh's position on climate adaptation, financing and addressing losses and damages.
Humayun Kabir said that the Turkish President is holding bilateral meetings with a selected few among the heads of state and government participating in the COP-31 conference. Among them, his meeting with Prime Minister Tareque Rahman reflects Turkey's special interest in and importance to Bangladesh.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tareque Rahman, Bangladesh is moving forward with new possibilities in the international arena. After the democratic transition, the international community's interest in Bangladesh's new government is also increasing.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that Prime Minister Tareque Rahman invited Turkish President Erdogan and his wife to visit Bangladesh.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the Prime Minister has several important programs. Among them, he said, there are bilateral meetings with heads of state and government of various countries and a meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saimum Parvez, Press Secretary Saleh Shiblu, and Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu were present at the press conference.
